Events

Victorian Eastbourne was considered a fairly literate town and there were public libraries and penny reading meetings to cater for all levels of people. But slowly, free public libraries took over and this talk charts their progress. TALKING OF CHARTS Warwick has been working with Eastbourne Central Library curating their map collection and this has prompted a review of mapping ahead of the launch of the library archive to the public,

"Cuckmere Buses" are celebrating the 50th anniversary of operation in 2026 From running a single bus on two days a week in 1976 they now run eight buses on over 20 routes seven days a week.

ELHS member and Cuckmere Buses Director Nick Price will tell us in an illustrated talk, how the service has grown and how many passengers were carried in 2025.

Nick says "If you have yet to use any of our services, why not try one this year ? The buses are all modern 16 seater minibuses and are all now sporting a celebratory logo. All drivers and officers are volunteers". An evening not to be missed.

ELHS member, popular speaker and Eastbourne historian Alan Wenham takes a look at how the area has been governed over the centuries. Judging by the latest government announcements, it looks as if major changes are on the way.

How will this effect Eastbourne?

Michael Ockenden was born in Eastbourne in 1938 and became interested in history thanks to the inspiration of John Harrison, Senior History Master at Eastbourne Grammar School. Michael is a founder member of the ELHS and is the author of some of the titles in the ELHS publications range.

Kim Adams in conversation will ask Michael about his memories of WW2 Eastbourne, his career in the Navy and RAF and his interest in local history to mention a few.

This promises to be a fascinating evening.